Item found in Scuba Tank during VIS, Need help identifying!!!

[slaughter_jimmy]

Hello all,

First time poster. I am relatively new to diving and have my OW and have done the classroom portion of the AOW. I just got back from the dive shop where I was getting on tank VIS'd and another Hydro'd and VIS'd. The tank in question was hydro'd and visually inspected a little over a year ago in a different state and "passed" however, the dive shop here found a tube inside the tank with holes down all four sides (i will attach a picture of it). The dive shop couldn't figure out what it was and I of course have no idea. Luckily I hadn't dove the tank yet but was just wondering if anyone out there knew what it may be used for and why it is in the tank.

Like I said, I hadn't used the tank yet and it made no rattling sounds or anything. Thanks for any help in advance.

Jimmy

 

[Thalassamania]

It is called a "Drip Tube" and screws into the bottom of the tank valve. It is there to prevent anything like dirt or water from getting into the valve and regulator when you go head down. They come loose all the time.

 

[slaughter_jimmy]

Thanks so much for the quick reply,

Should it have remained in the tank? The dive shop took it out and had no idea what it was. Will it effect usage of the tank?

Jimmy

 

[Thalassamania]

If the shop personnel had no idea what it was, either I'm wrong or I'm worried about them servicing gear. It should be reinstalled in the valve, or removed it there is already a tube in the bottom of the valve.

Edit: Later on when we saw photographs we realized that it was a piece of a tank dryer.

 

[emoreira]

Can't believe that the shop that did the VIS didn't know what that tube was for. I don't know what shop was it, but I could hardly believe that a shop that does scuba tanks VIS and Hidro cannot figure out that.

 

[Hollywoodivers]

Thanks so much for the quick reply,

Should it have remained in the tank? The dive shop took it out and had no idea what it was. Will it effect usage of the tank?

Jimmy

The Dip Tube or Snorkel tube should have threads on one end. It should screw back into the bottom of the valve. I find them inside tanks rolling around causing noise. It's a simple fix by screwing it into the valve again. Do not use chemical loctite or any other chemicals on the threads.
if you have other questions give us a call.

 

[slaughter_jimmy]

Did my picture show up, cause it is not showing up on my post under my question. It appears to be made of wood with holes drilled into it and there are no threads on either end. I will call the dive shop and find out if the "Drip Tube" is there and this was in addition to. Got me kinda worried, they gave the tank a clean bill of health.

---------- Post added January 2nd, 2013 at 03:46 PM ----------

 

[Thalassamania]

Did my picture show up, cause it is not showing up on my post under my question. It appears to be made of wood with holes drilled into it and there are no threads on either end. I will call the dive shop and find out if the "Drip Tube" is there and this was in addition to. Got me kinda worried, they gave the tank a clean bill of health.

Fingers got away from me, that should be "DIP" tube, sorry 'bout that.

 

[slaughter_jimmy]

Well, like i said this thing appears to be made out of wood, no threads, and is about a foot and a half long and about 3/4" in diameter. If that helps.

 

[slaughter_jimmy]